Dhanteras: Dhanteras
Festival of Wealth and Health
Dhanteras by Year
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Trayodashi or Dhan Teras) is the first day of the Diwali festival, celebrated on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi (13th night of the dark fortnight in Kartik month). 'Dhan' means wealth and 'Teras' means thirteen. It is dedicated to: Lord Dhanvantari (the divine physician who emerged from the cosmic ocean with a pot of Amrit), and Lord Kuber (god of wealth). Buying gold, silver, utensils, and new items on this day is considered highly auspicious.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 falls on October 18, 2026 (Sunday), Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. The Puja Muhurat for Dhanteras is in the Pradosh Kaal (evening after sunset). The exact timing depends on the Trayodashi tithi prevailing at sunset in your location. Markets are typically crowded all day with people buying gold, silver, and new items.
What should be bought on Dhanteras?
Dhanteras shopping is highly auspicious for: Gold jewelry and gold coins (most popular). Silver items (silver coins, silver utensils, silver idols). New utensils and kitchenware (stainless steel, copper, silver). Electronic items (in modern times). Vehicles (cars, two-wheelers). Brooms (Jhadu) - buying a new broom on Dhanteras represents welcoming Lakshmi into the home. Diyas (earthen lamps). What NOT to buy: iron, scissors or knives, glass items, and black-colored items are traditionally avoided.
What puja is done on Dhanteras?
Dhanteras puja vidhi: Evening: Clean the home and puja area. Light diyas at the entrance and throughout the home. Puja: Worship Lord Dhanvantari with a photo or idol. Offer tulsi, flowers, and naivedya. Place new items (gold, silver, or utensils) in the puja for blessings. Light 13 diyas outside the home facing south (in the direction of Yama, god of death) to ward off untimely death. Puja: Worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber in the evening.
Why is south direction important on Dhanteras?
On Dhanteras evening, 13 earthen lamps (diyas) are lit facing south. The south is the direction of Yama (Yamraj), the god of death. The lamps are offered as a prayer to Yama to protect family members from untimely death and disease. This practice is particularly done on Dhanteras since Lord Dhanvantari appeared on this day with the nectar of immortality (Amrit), and the Yamadeepa (lamp for Yama) is a protective ritual during this auspicious period.
What is the story of Lord Dhanvantari?
Lord Dhanvantari is the divine physician and the god of Ayurveda (ancient Indian medicine). He emerged from the cosmic ocean during Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) on the day of Dhanteras, carrying a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and the sacred texts of Ayurveda. He is considered an avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. Worshipping Dhanvantari on Dhanteras is believed to bring good health, immunity from disease, and longevity. The National Ayurveda Day is observed on Dhanteras in India.
What is the difference between Dhanteras and Diwali?
Dhanteras (October 18, 2026) is the first day of the 5-day Diwali festival. It focuses on: purchasing new items for prosperity, worshipping Dhanvantari (health) and Kuber (wealth), and lighting 13 diyas facing south. Diwali (October 20, 2026) is the main day of the festival, focusing on: worship of Goddess Lakshmi (fortune), lighting all diyas, bursting fireworks, and exchanging sweets. Dhanteras is preparatory and prosperity-focused; Diwali is the main worship night.
What is Jhadu (broom) significance on Dhanteras?
Buying a new broom (Jhadu) on Dhanteras is one of the oldest and most popular Dhanteras traditions. The broom represents Goddess Lakshmi (many images of Lakshmi depict her holding a broom). Buying a new broom on Dhanteras is believed to: welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the home, sweep away poverty and negativity, and prepare the home for Diwali cleaning. The new broom is first used on Diwali to clean the home before Lakshmi puja.
Can you buy black items on Dhanteras?
Traditionally, buying black-colored items on Dhanteras is considered inauspicious. This is because Dhanteras is a festival of wealth and brightness, and black is associated with Saturn (Shani) and negative energies in Hindu tradition. Other items to avoid: iron items (associated with Saturn), scissors and knives (cutting tools considered inauspicious on festive days), and glass items (fragility is considered bad omen). The most auspicious colors for Dhanteras purchases are gold, silver, white, and yellow.